by Kristen Leonard
Drumlin Farm Flowers - photo by Kristen Leonard
With the first half of summer behind us and Labor Day looming on the horizon, it’s hard to resist the urge to stay outside and soak up as much of that summer sun as possible. Luckily, Somerville is home to a variety of outdoor markets that allow you to support local vendors and mingle with your neighbors while enjoying the fleeting heat of summer.
Grocery shopping can be a chore, but Farmers Markets can make it a truly enjoyable experience. With the vibrant array of colors and enticing smell of fresh-picked herbs, a visit to the market is a feast for the senses. The Saturday morning market in Union Square has quickly become my favorite way to kick-off the weekend. Where else can I pick up my produce for the week, grab some locally-made chocolate, and enjoy a gourmet ice cream sandwich (peanut butter maple-bourbon!), all while listening to live music.
Yum! Photo cred: Kristen Leonard
More than just places to buy your fruits and veggies, farmers markets have evolved into a one-stop shop to procure all that you need for a great summer meal! Select some hormone-free meat or locally-caught seafood for your backyard grill. Or indulge your inner vegetarian and pick up tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella and homemade bread for a light and delicious Panzanella salad.
Coastal Vineyards’ selection - photo by Kristen Leonard
Maybe you are looking for something to fill your picnic basket for an evening with friends? The new specialty market Swirl and Slice has everything that you need. The market, which kicked off in June, takes place every Thursday evening from 5:00-8:00 in Union Square. Vendors sell everything from wine and cheese to nuts and pastries. It’s a great place to stock up for a summer weekend away or to just get your Thursday night started right! My recent purchases included lime pepper jelly from Stir It Up Cuisine, Mexican cheese spread from Nobscot Artisan Cheese, and wasabi nut mix from Fastachi . After you’ve had your fill, check out the Tasting Table, a weekly educational program run by restaurateurs and other food experts on season-appropriate topics such as wine tasting and grilling.
Davis Flea - photo by Kristen Leonard
Perhaps food is not your thing? The new Davis Flea brings out the inner-collector in all of us with a variety of antique, vintage, and unique collectables in an open air market. Visitors can peruse everything from vintage t-shirts to bikes, records, and antique collectables for the home. The flea market, located in the parking lot at the corner of Holland Avenue and Buena Vista Street in Davis, runs on Sundays from 10:00-4:00. Check it out before or after your next Sunday brunch outing!
Veggies Galore! Photo: Kristen Leonard
Somerville Farmers Markets:
Davis Square (Day and Hebert Streets), Wednesdays from 12:00-6:00 through 11/21
Mystic (Mystic Housing Development), Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:00-4:00 through 11/24
Union Square (Union Square Plaza), Saturdays from 9:00-1:00 though 11/17
